Dwight Howard capped off his redemption 2019-20 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers with his first ever NBA championship. As a free agent this off-season, it certainly seemed like the veteran center would return to the Purple and Gold. However, due to miscommunication and misunderstandings, the former Defensive Player of the Year instead found himself accepting a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
With his second tenure in Los Angeles coming to a close, Howard took to Instagram to deliver a heartfelt goodbye letter to Laker Nation. Howard wrote:
La thank you. It was truly a pleasure being back in la. And winning a championship. I am very grateful to the Buss family, the Rambis family, the Pelinka’s and the entire laker organization. Lakernation. I love you💯💯Thank you for your support all year. This season was filled with emotion and you guys stood strong with us all year. To my bro’s. We overcame a lot and won together. Thank you for the great memories we shared this season. I am forever grateful. We will always be champs. Nobody can take that away from us.🏆
Many Laker fans were hoping to bring back Howard, especially after playing a key role in their run to the championship last season. Though playing with lesser responsibilities, especially on offense, all while coming off the bench, Howard showed great maturity and became a star in his role.
Howard also proved his worth to the Purple and Gold throughout the playoffs. After getting barely any playing time in their second round series against the Houston Rockets, the 35-year old provided the Lakers a positive impact through the West Finals and NBA Finals. In fact, Howard started in Los Angeles' last seven games on the way to the title.
Howard certainly would have preferred to stay with the Lakers and get a chance to go back-to-back. Unfortunately, misunderstandings prevented a return from happening. Now, he will look to help the Philadelphia 76ers vault into championship contention while playing behind All-Star big man Joel Embiid.
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